A huge fire has engulfed the roof of a hospital in Russia, causing people to jump out of the windows in a bid to escape, writes The Daily Mail.

The blaze broke out in the Central Hospital No. 3 in Yekaterinburg, with local media reporting evacuation efforts are now underway to free patients and visitors trapped inside.

Terrifying footage of the scenes show thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky as emergency fire services rushed to put out the blaze.

Men and women can also be spotted in the disturbing clips leaping out of the windows as they desperately attempt to flee to safety.

According to 72RU, eyewitnesses reported that repair work was being carried out on the roof of the hospital before the fire began.

A grinder that was being used in the building work apparently caused the fire, however, the Russian publication said this information has not yet been officially confirmed.

One clip of the incident shows a woman in a pink coat leaping two storeys from the hospital, before landing on a balcony and being helped down by man who also appears to be treating a casualty.

Others can be seen in the background of the windows from where the woman jumped.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations revealed the fire spread over an area of around 200 square metres.